Chapter 9: Problem 24
Find the radius of convergence of the given series. $$ \sum_{n=2}^{\infty}(-1)^{n+1} \frac{1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots(2 n-3)}{2^{n} n !} x^{n} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The radius of convergence is 4.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the General Term
The series is given as \( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} (-1)^{n+1} \frac{1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots (2n-3)}{2^{n} n!} x^{n} \). The general term of the series, \( a_n \), is \( (-1)^{n+1} \frac{1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots (2n-3)}{2^{n} n!} x^{n} \).
02
Simplify the General Term
To use the ratio test, simplify the expression \( 1 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdots (2n-3) \). This product is the double factorial of \( (2n-3) \), which can be expressed recursively: \( (2n-3)!! = \frac{(2n-2)!}{2^{n-1} (n-1)!} \). Rewrite \( a_n \) as \( (-1)^{n+1} \frac{(2n-2)!}{2^{n-1} (n-1)! 2^{n} n!} x^n \), which simplifies to \( \frac{(2n-2)!}{2^{2n-1} n! (n-1)!} x^n \).
03
Apply the Ratio Test
To find the radius of convergence, use the ratio test: \( \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right| \). Calculate \( a_{n+1} = \frac{(2n)!}{2^{2n+1} n! (n)!} x^{n+1} \). The ratio is \( \left| \frac{\frac{(2n)!}{2^{2n+1} n! (n)!} x^{n+1}}{\frac{(2n-2)!}{2^{2n-1} n! (n-1)!} x^n} \right| \).
04
Simplify the Ratio
Cancel common terms in the ratio: \( \frac{(2n)!}{2(n) \cdot (2n-1) \cdot (2n-2)!} \cdot \frac{1}{2^2 x} \). This simplifies further to \( \frac{(2n(2n-1))x}{4} \). As \( n \) approaches infinity, this simplifies to \( \frac{x}{4} \).
05
Determine the Radius of Convergence
For convergence using the ratio test, ensure \( \left| \frac{x}{4} \right| < 1 \), or equivalently, \( |x| < 4 \). So, the radius of convergence \( R \) is 4.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Ratio Test
The Ratio Test is a powerful method used to determine the convergence of an infinite series. It tells us how fast the terms of a series decrease. When applying the Ratio Test, you find the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms, \[ \lim_{n \to \infty} \left| \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right|. \]
- If the limit is less than 1, the series converges.
- If the limit is greater than 1, the series diverges.
- If the limit equals 1, the test is inconclusive.
Power Series
A power series is a series of the form \[ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n x^n, \] where \( a_n \) represents the coefficients of the series and \( x \) is a variable. Power series are useful because they can be used to represent functions in an "infinite polynomial" form.
- Examples of power series include Taylor and Maclaurin series.
- These series converge over some interval, the extent of which is described by the radius of convergence.
Double Factorial
The concept of a double factorial, denoted by \( n!! \), is an extension of the usual factorial operation. Instead of multiplying all positive integers up to \( n \), the double factorial multiplies every other integer starting from \( n \).
- For odd \( n \), the double factorial is the product of all odd numbers up to \( n \).
- For even \( n \), it includes all even numbers.
- For example, \( 7!! = 7 \cdot 5 \cdot 3 \cdot 1 \) and \( 8!! = 8 \cdot 6 \cdot 4 \cdot 2 \).
Infinite Series
An infinite series is the sum of the terms of an infinite sequence. It may converge (approach a finite value) or diverge (grow without bound). Convergence is a key consideration, as only convergent series are useful in representing functions or defining numbers.
- Finite series have a limited number of terms, while infinite series continue indefinitely.
- The convergence of an infinite series depends largely on the behavior of its terms as \( n \to \infty \).
- Key tests for convergence include the Ratio Test, Root Test, and integral tests, among others.